David DuBois, president and CEO, IAEEDavid DuBois, president of the Exhibitor Group, has retired from his role effective July 1.
"As of 5:01 tonight, I'm freelance," DuBois told Northstar. "I've had some conversations about consulting. But my tagline now is: husband, father, grandfather and amateur golfer. I'm going to do my best at each of those pillars of my life."
DuBois joined the Exhibitor Group last fall, following 11 years as president and CEO of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events, where he led the organization through the pandemic.
"David DuBois has been a transformative leader for Exhibitor Group," said Mark Johnson, CEO of Star Group, which owns the Exhibitor Group. "His vision, integrity and dedication as a professional are only surpassed by his passion, character and commitment as a husband, father and grandfather. We are grateful for his contributions and wish him all the best in his retirement."
Under his leadership, Exhibitor Group experienced significant gains in its ExhibitorLive event and industry certification program, solidifying its position as a leader in the trade show and event-marketing industry. Dubois also spearheaded numerous initiatives that had an impact on the industry and on the business, including the expansion of the ExhibitorLive conference, the introduction of innovative educational programs, and the enhancement of the Exhibitor team supporting this work.
In his more than 45 years in the events industry, DuBois also spent five years at the helm of the Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau as its president and CEO. His accomplished career includes serving as COO of Meeting Professionals International and executive director of the MPI Foundation, as well as 12 years at the Professional Convention Management Association, where he held the titles of president/CEO and senior vice president.
"It was short but a great experience," DuBois said of his time
at the trade show and event-marketing organization.